One think I've leaned is that bicycle floor pumps do wear out. I need to pump up every time I ride and the pump has to be there. I had one, the Topeak Joe Blow Sprint Floor Pump wear out without a backup and, since then, I've had at least 2 functional pumps at most times.
About a month ago, my Nashbar L'Orange Floor Pump died. So, when I went to a local Performance Bicycle store to get new pedals and straps, I was looking for a moderately priced backup floor pump.
I was immediately attracted to this pump, the Blackburn TPS2. It was on sale for $19.99 and had the following features:
• pressure guage (it was near the floor, instead of the top, so that was a mild drawback) • 140 psi max pressure (my tires take 100) • Large capacity • Lifetime warranty (and it's made by Bell) • Dual head with separate openings for Schrader and Presta valves
I disliked the separate heads, actually. I've had good luck with combination heads on my recent pumps. I only use Schrader (standard, traditional bicycle valves) on my bicycles. If tubes come with Presta valves, which I hate because of their fragility, I use adapters on top of them.
So I got this home and tried it out. The function was fairly uneventful. The unit's capacity did help by filling up the tires quickly. I could see the pressure on the gauge, although it was difficult because the gauge is near the floor. One thing I did not like was that the Schrader opening did not completely seal. Even with the pump head in the sealed position (locking mini-handle), there was still a little bit of hiss of air escaping. It did not keep the tires from inflating, so basically I ignored it.
So, for $19.99, it's ok. The current price is $24.99, and it's hard to get the features I like (combo head, gauge on top) at that price. So, I can give this 3 stars and recommend it as a backup pump, but I don't think it's feature rich enough to use as a primary pump.
Features of the TPS-2 include a convertible head with thumblock for Presta/Schrader valves, a large handle for a secure grip, all steel construction f...More at Bike Nashbar
If you're looking for a powerful floor pump that's tough, accurate and easy to use, then the Blackburn TPS-2 is your answer!More at Performancebike.com
If you're looking for a powerful floor pump that's tough, accurate and easy to use, then the Blackburn TPS-2 is your answer!More at Performancebike.com
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